1 batch sloppy joe filling
8-10 slices white bread
butter or butter spray
shredded or sliced Cheddar cheese
Prepare sloppy joe filling according to recipe directions. Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium heat. Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread. For each sandwich, place one slice of bread, butter side down into a skillet. Top each slice with some cheese, some of the beef mixture and additional cheese. Place an additional slice of bread on top, butter side up, creating the sandwich. Cook until bread is nicely browned, carefully flip over and cook until other side is browned. Repeat until all the sandwiches are made. Makes 4-5 sandwiches.
Jenn's Notes: I used store-bought french bread, that I sliced like sandwich bread. I use butter spray, which makes it so much easier than trying to spread butter onto soft bread. I only did one layer of cheese and I thought that would be plenty, but I ended up wishing there was more. So, add both layers! I cooked these in a cast iron skillet and they browned up very nicely.
Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 Lb. ground beef
1/4 onion, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
garlic, minced
3/4 c. ketchup
1/4 c. water, only if needed
1 Tbl. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
a few dashes of Worcestershire
1 Tbl. tomato paste
salt & pepper
Brown ground beef in a medium skillet. Add onion, green pepper and garlic and cook a few minutes. Add ketchup, brown sugar, all spices, Worcestershire and tomato paste. Stir to combine. If mixture is too thick, add some water. Salt and pepper, to taste. Yield: 4-5 sloppy joes.